A former student turned CEO honors Atlanta’s favorite rollerblading ambassador for the taqueria’s 10th location grand opening.
Along Atlanta’s popular Eastside Trail of the Atlanta Beltline you are bound to see a lot of things. One of those things is the popular Beltline personality, Kevin Randolph, who is also known as “Beltline Kevin.”
A former teacher of Gwinnett County Schools, Randolph is known for being an eclectic personality you’ll often spot rollerblading up and down the Beltline to the tunes of Beyoncé, Flo Rida, and more. His energy, charisma, and community spirit have made him somewhat of a local celebrity, drawing smiles and videos from passersby who see him as part of the Beltline’s unique culture.
That culture is now being recognized in a major way. Rreal Tacos, the authentic taqueria restaurant opening its newest location on Ponce de Leon, has announced a $100,000 sponsorship of Randolph. The partnership celebrates both the launch of the restaurant near the trail and Randolph’s role as a grassroots ambassador of Beltline life.
The grand opening of Rreal Tacos is set to bring even more vibrancy to the corridor, with the sponsorship highlighting how local businesses are investing in Atlanta personalities who embody community connection. For Randolph, the deal marks his first major brand partnership—an opportunity that cements his status as more than just a Beltline fixture, but a symbol of the city’s evolving cultural scene.
Rreal Tacos CEO Damian Otero says the company wants to give back, not only to its employees as a 100% employee-owned organization, but to the community that has supported its growth since the first location opened in Midtown. Unlike most fast-casual restaurant brands, Otero emphasizes that being employee-owned allows Rreal Tacos to prioritize both people and purpose in every decision.
For Otero, this sponsorship has a personal layer. Growing up in Gwinnett County, he was once a student in Randolph’s classroom. The two would frequently cross paths in the hallways, never imagining that years later their connection would come full circle on one of Atlanta’s most iconic trails.
Now, with the opening of Rreal Tacos’ 10th location along the Beltline, Otero saw the partnership with Randolph as both a marketing opportunity and as a way to honor someone who left a mark on his childhood. “Kevin wasn’t just a teacher—he inspired and connected with kids,” Otero said. “Seeing him out here on the Beltline today, bringing joy to people in the same way, I knew we had to do something that gave back to him.”
The one-year sponsorship deal will include a variety of collaborations between Randolph and Rreal Tacos, from appearances at the Beltline restaurant to community-focused events designed to engage both locals and visitors. Otero says he has “big plans” for working with Randolph and expects the partnership to be as fun and full of energy as “Beltline Kevin” himself.
As Randolph continues to skate, dance, and light up the Eastside Trail, his unique bond with the city grows stronger—now backed by a partnership that blends community, cuisine, and culture in true Atlanta fashion.
“The A.T.L.: We honor the Art. We elevate the Trade. We embody the Lifestyle.”